Learning Resources

Keyboard Troubleshooting

When you use a wired keyboard, you may experience one or more of the following problems:

The keyboard is not detected.

The keys on the keyboard do not work.

Wrong characters are typed.

To work around these problems, use the following methods as appropriate for your situation.

The keyboard is not functioning

Step 1: Verify the connection

If the keyboard is not functioning at all, make sure that it is connected correctly to the computer. Check all the keyboard's plugs to make sure that there are no loose connections. Connect the keyboard to your computer by using a different USB port.

Note Bypass any port replicator, USB hub, KVM switch, or similar component, and connect the keyboard directly to the USB port on the computer. If this resolves the problem, confirm that it is this additional connection device that is the source of the problem. Contact the manufacturer to see if they can provide a solution to allow you to use their device.

If an adapter (PS/2 to USB or PS/2 to AT) is being used, verify that it is the adapter that was included with the keyboard or that the keyboard supports adapting to a different port. For example, the Internet Keyboard does not adapt to a USB port, and a PS/2 to USB adapter will not work. It does not include an adapter.

To connect or to disconnect the keyboard to a PS/2 port, follow these steps:

Shut down the computer.

Plug your device into the correct port. Make sure that the plug is pushed securely into the connector on the computer.

Restart the computer. Microsoft Windows detects the change, and then installs the drivers on the new port automatically.

If the issue continues to occur, try connecting the keyboard to a different computer. If the keyboard functions correctly on a different computer, the port to which the keyboard was connected on the original computer may be damaged. If this is the case, contact your computer manufacturer to inquire about how to repair or replace the damaged port.

If the keyboard does not function correctly on another computer, the keyboard may be defective. If this is the case, and the warranty on the keyboard is still valid, you can exchange the defective keyboard for a new keyboard. For information about how to contact Microsoft Supplemental Parts, see the "References" section.

If the keyboard works on another computer, go to Step 2.

Step 2: Download and install the latest keyboard software

To download the latest drivers for the keyboard

Step 3: Manually reinstall the drivers

The keys do not strike correctly

If the keys do not strike correctly, make sure that the keyboard is free of dust, dirt, and foreign matter.

Turn the keyboard upside down to allow for any foreign debris, such as hair, food particles, or dust, to fall out.

We recommend that you periodically use compressed air to blow dust out of the hard-to-clean crevices in the keyboard.

If you spill a drink or some other liquid on the keyboard, immediately turn the keyboard upside down to let the liquid drain out, and then remove as much liquid as possible. Wait until the keyboard is completely dry before you use it again.

Do not take the keyboard apart. If you disassemble the keyboard, you may void the manufacturer warranty.

Note If you want to use a vacuum cleaner around the keyboard, make sure that the vacuum cleaner is a "static safe" vacuum cleaner.

The wrong characters are typed

If the wrong characters are typed when you use the keyboard, follow the steps in the "The Keys Do Not Strike Correctly" section to clean the keyboard that are described under "The Keys Do Not Strike Correctly" earlier to make sure that no obstructions under the keys are causing this issue.

If the issue continues to occur, connect the keyboard to a different computer. If the keyboard functions correctly on a different computer, the port to which the keyboard was connected on the original computer may be damaged. If this is the case, contact your computer manufacturer to ask about how to repair or replace the damaged port.

If the keyboard does not function correctly on another computer, the keyboard may be defective. If this is the case, and the warranty on the keyboard is still valid, you can exchange the defective keyboard for a new keyboard.